Drinks for Derby Day
The Kentucky Derby is arguably the most iconic of horse races in the United States. The race itself only lasts a couple of minutes, but this celebration is a day-long event. From the traditional Mint Julep to southern-inspired cocktails, there’s plenty of ways to join the party. Whether you'll be watching the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1, or are looking to saddle up with a new concoction, here are some Derby-worthy cocktails to enjoy a day at the races
Mint Julep
The signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep gained prominence in the southern United States during the 18th century. This refreshing cocktail combines bourbon, simple syrup, mint, and crushed ice. Despite its connection to the Derby, this drink can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Ingredients
8 mint leaves
1/4 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces Kentucky bourbon
Garnish: mint sprigs & Angostura bitters (optional)
Instructions
In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup.
Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.
Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside.
Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).
Diane Crump Blackberry Mint Julep
In 1970, Diane Crump became the first-ever female jockey in the Kentucky Derby. A twist on the original Mint Julep, this recipe is inspired by her and combines bourbon with min and blackberry preserves. Fun fact: blackberries are the official fruit of Kentucky.
Ingredients
2 ounces Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 bar spoon blackberry preserves
1 bar spoon simple syrup
Mint bitters
Garnish: fresh blackberries and mint sprigs
Instructions
In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle blackberry preserves and simple syrup.
Add 2 to 4 dashes of mint bitters.
Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice.
Top with more crushed ice, and garnish with a mint sprig and fresh blackberries.
Woodford Spire
Straight from Churchill Downs, this recipe comes from the home of the Kentucky Derby every year. The combination of refreshing flavors makes it perfect for a warm, humid spring day.
Ingredients
1.5-ounce bourbon, preferably Woodford Reserve
2 ounces lemonade
2 ounces cranberry juice
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and pour into a copper cup.
Top with crushed ice, and garnish with a lemon twist.
The Preakness
While not as famous as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is held two weeks after the Derby in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the second leg of the Triple Crown. This spirit-forward cocktail is a twist on the classic Manhattan.
Ingredients
1.5 ounces American rye whiskey
3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
1/4 ounce Bénédictine
1 dash Angostura bitters
Garnish: lemon twist
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice.
Stir, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Southern Sweet Tea Jam
Nothing screams southern refreshment like sweet tea. Dubbed “a picnic in a glass,” this cocktail mixes sweet tea vodka with strawberry preserves, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Ingredients
2 ounces Seagram’s Sweet Tea Vodka
1-ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1 spoonful of strawberry jam
Garnish: fresh strawberries
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake hard to chill and thoroughly combine ingredients.
Strain into your glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a fresh strawberry.
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Sources
https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/best-kentucky-derby-cocktails/
https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/kentucky-derby-cocktails/
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